Rising high above the same Pacific Ocean waterfront, across from the famous Victoria Golf Club, the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel pays homage to its original 1920s, Tudor-style grandeur. The $52 million hotel combines luxury hotel rooms, year-round residences and vacation rental suites into its seven stories and is set to reopen in May 2012.
“After being a much-loved fixture of our city for the better part of a century, seeing the original hotel come down was tough for Victoria residents and visitors alike,” said Kevin Walker, co-owner and developer of the project, in a news release. “Before my wife and I took ownership in ’95, I worked at the hotel, under my dad, since the ’70s – a lot of history there. I’d see the same weekly regulars at the Snug Pub and the same visitors year after year.”
And while the essence of the original Oak Bay Beach Hotel has been captured by Kevin and Shawna Walker, a number of modern amenities and live-in suites have been added, making the property Victoria’s first luxury hotel and spa with private residences. Hotel guests will have use of the seaside, therapeutic mineral pools, fitness centre and spa; services from an on-staff sommelier and fine dining at The Discovery restaurant; and 24-hour room service, butler, and concierge. Kate’s Café will provide casual dining.
Thanks to its prime, oceanfront location, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel will also offer its guests a range of adventure opportunities, including kayak rentals and tours, whale-watching expeditions, out-island hikes, fishing and sailing charters and more.
Nightly room rates at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel will range between $172 and $1,100. Guests can book their visit to the new hotel today by visiting www.oakbaybeachhotel.com or calling 1-800-668-7758. Vacation hotel suites and private residences are also available for sale. To learn more, visit the Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s presentation centre located at 1111 Wharf St., in downtown Victoria, or the on-site real estate offices at 1175 Beach Drive.